Has that mole always looked like that? Mole mapping and its role in early skin cancer detection 

Has that mole always looked like that? Mole mapping and its role in early skin cancer detection 

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada – learn how mole mapping tracks skin changes over time for early detection 

Ever looked at your skin and noticed a new spot, changing mole, or patch that seems different and wondered, has that always been there? Or have you thought, does it look different now than the last time I checked? Paying attention to changes in your skin is a good habit, especially since skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada, with approximately 90,000 to 100,000 Canadians diagnosed each year. 

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, while melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, ranks as the seventh most common. That said, skin cancer cases can be difficult to track accurately because many cases are diagnosed and treated in outpatient clinics and may not be captured in national cancer registries. As a result, experts believe the true number of skin cancer cases is likely even higher than reported. 

"Although cancers such as lung, breast and colorectal cancer often receive the most attention, skin cancer is considered the most common cancer in Canada," says Refine by Medcan Dermatologist, Dr. Jonathan Levy.  

In 2026, an estimated 11,300 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma, and approximately 1,250 will die from the disease. While melanoma is less common than other forms of skin cancer, it can be far more dangerous if not detected and treated early. Melanoma is much more likely than other skin cancers to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones. Once it spreads beyond the skin, it becomes more difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. 

While sun protection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer, screening and early detection are also key components of a proactive approach to skin health.  

“Regular skin checks, combined with an annual skin assessment by a dermatologist or other qualified physician, are an important part of a proactive approach to health, particularly as you age,” explains Dr. Levy. 

At Medcan, our dermatologists recommend a yearly physician or dermatologist-led skin examination to help identify potential concerns early. 

One screening tool that is gaining attention is mole mapping, a technology that helps track moles and other pigmented lesions over time to identify changes that may warrant further investigation. Mole mapping, offered through Refine by Medcan, our full-service medical and cosmetic dermatology clinic, is one of the most common skin cancer screening topics our clients ask about.   

Many clients also like to complete mole mapping annually alongside their Annual Health Assessment for a comprehensive full-body approach. In this article, Refine by Medcan Dermatologist, Dr. Levy, explains what mole mapping is, how it works, who may benefit from it, and how it may support the early detection of skin cancer.

What is mole mapping? 

Mole mapping – sometimes referred to as total body photography – is a skin cancer screening tool that creates a detailed visual record of your moles and other skin lesions over time. 

During a mole mapping appointment at Medcan, a trained Refine skin consultant uses a specialized medical imaging system to take a series of high-resolution photographs from multiple angles. These images capture the surface of your entire body to create a comprehensive visual record of existing moles, freckles, and other skin lesions. 

Unlike image-only screening programs, Refine by Medcan pairs advanced total-body imaging with dermatologist review during your visit. This means your mole mapping results are assessed within a physician-led clinical environment, with access to follow-up evaluation when needed. 

The process of mole mapping is completely non-invasive and painless. You’ll be asked to change into minimal clothing so as much skin as possible can be photographed and stand in a designated imaging area where a camera system captures photos of your skin from different positions to ensure comprehensive coverage. 

If certain moles require closer assessment, additional magnified images may be taken using dermoscopy, a specialized imaging technique that allows clinicians to examine structures beneath the skin surface that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Dermoscopy is performed using a handheld device called a dermatoscope, which combines magnification with specialized lighting to provide a clearer view of the skin layers. Dermoscopy can reveal patterns, pigment distribution, blood vessels, and other microscopic structures beneath the skin's surface. 

All images taken during a mole mapping session are securely stored and serve as a baseline for future comparisons. At follow-up appointments, using AI, new photographs are compared with previous ones to identify new lesions or subtle changes in existing moles that could signal early skin cancer. 

Think of mole mapping like having a photographic timeline of your skin. By documenting what your skin looks like today, Medcan’s skin specialists can more easily identify changes months or years down the road that might otherwise be difficult to detect. The process is conducted in a private clinical setting and generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of images required. 

By providing an objective baseline, mole mapping makes it easier to spot subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is particularly valuable for detecting melanoma, which is often identified when a mole has changed over time. 

What mole mapping doesn't do 

Mole mapping does not diagnose skin cancer. Instead, it is used alongside a comprehensive skin examination by a dermatologist or trained clinician to identify lesions that are new, unusual, or changing over time. 

A definitive diagnosis of melanoma or another form of skin cancer can only be made through a biopsy and pathology review. If a suspicious mole is identified during mole mapping, your next steps often include:  

1. Clinical examination: a Medcan dermatologist will examine the mole closely, often using a dermatoscope to evaluate features that are not visible to the naked eye. 
2. Short-term monitoring (sometimes): if the mole appears atypical but not clearly cancerous, repeat imaging may be recommended within a few months to determine whether it is changing. 
3. Biopsy: if the mole appears suspicious for melanoma or another form of skin cancer, a biopsy is typically recommended. In many cases, the entire mole is removed and sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. 
4. Pathology review: a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present, the type of skin cancer – melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma – along with, important features such as tumour thickness and depth of invasion, if melanoma is diagnosed. 
5. Further testing (if melanoma is confirmed): Most early melanomas require only surgical removal with appropriate margins. More advanced cases may require additional testing, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy, imaging scans, or consultation with an oncology team. 

Who may benefit most from mole mapping? 

Mole mapping is often recommended for people who: 

• Have many moles, especially 50 or more 
• Have atypical moles – also called a dysplastic nevus – which are moles that look different from a typical mole. While dysplastic moles are usually not cancerous, they can resemble melanoma and are associated with a higher risk of developing skin cancer. 
• Have a personal or family history of melanoma 
• Have fair skin and a history of significant sun exposure 
• Find it difficult to monitor changes in their skin on their own 

Mole mapping can also benefit anyone looking to take a proactive approach to their skin health, whether to monitor existing moles, investigate changes they've noticed, or gain reassurance that a suspicious spot is benign. By providing a detailed baseline of your skin, mole mapping can help identify concerning changes early while offering greater peace of mind. 

When it comes to how often mole mapping should be performed, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation. The appropriate frequency depends on factors such as your personal and family history of skin cancer, your skin type, and the number and appearance of your moles. 

"For individuals at higher risk of skin cancer, annual mole mapping is often recommended to establish a baseline and monitor changes over time," says Dr. Levy. 

"Those with a personal history of melanoma, numerous atypical moles, or a strong family history of skin cancer may benefit from more frequent monitoring and follow-up assessments." 

Should you consider mole mapping? 

Medcan physicians and dermatologists recommend an annual skin examination as part of a proactive approach to overall health. 

At Medcan, a skin check is provided during your Annual Health Assessment as part of your clinician evaluation. For individuals seeking a more comprehensive evaluation, the Skin Station is an opt-in add-on to your Annual Health Assessment. This is where a Refine Skin Consultant provides an aesthetic and medical review of your skin. It is one aspect of the Annual Health Assessment that has helped numerous clients find cancer early and get treated. 

For those at increased risk of skin cancer, or simply looking for greater peace of mind, mole mapping can be a valuable addition to a preventive health strategy. 

Genes associated with increased risk for melanoma are included in our enhanced cancer screening, genetic testing, and enhanced comprehensive genetic testing. People at increased risk are encouraged to have more frequent/in depth skin assessments. 

Lastly, it helps to know your ABCDEs of melanoma 

According to Dr. Levy, “Any mole that is new, changing, asymmetrical, irregularly bordered, varied in colour, or causing symptoms such as itching or bleeding, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.”  

Beyond, that Dr. Levy explains, “When it comes to melanoma, changes over time are often one of the most important warning signs.” 

Dermatologists often use a simple acronym to help clients spot potential warning signs of melanoma, and to know when a follow-up with dermatologist is critical for further investigation. The ABCDEs acronym stands for: 

• A - Asymmetry 
• B - Border irregularity 
• C - Colour variation 
• D - Diameter larger than 6 mm (although melanomas can be smaller) 
• E - Evolving or changing over time 

“Of these, the "E” for evolving is often considered the most important,” says Dr. Levy. That's because changes over time are one of the strongest indicators that a mole may require closer evaluation, and one of the reasons mole mapping can be such a valuable tool for early detection.” 

Using ABCDE framework can help you notice skin changes earlier and pursue a skin consultation to validate or invalidate your concerns and take the next steps to see if mole mapping may be right for you. 

The bottom line, says, Dr. Levy, “When it comes to your skin, it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you notice a new spot or a change in an existing mole, have it assessed. Early evaluation can provide reassurance, and in some cases, lead to earlier detection when treatment is most effective.” 

Take action 

Noticed a change in your skin?  At Refine by Medcan, our experienced dermatology team administers safe, high-quality, innovative treatments for a range of medical skincare concerns, to help you maintain healthy and beautiful skin. We offer an extended selection of on-site treatments for precancerous lesions, skin tags and moles, acne, eczema, vitiligo, hyperpigmentation, hyperhidrosis, spider veins, and rosacea. 

As part of our services, we offer mole mapping for early detection of any suspicious or changing moles, to help you take a proactive approach to skin care and give you peace of mind. A physician referral isn't required for mole mapping. 

To book a complimentary skin consultation and determine what services are right for you, visit this page. 

This article was written by Medcan’s editorial team with contribution and review by Refine by Medcan Dermatologist Dr. Jonathan Levy. 

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.